EverythingCebu

  • AccommodationHotels & Resorts
    • Luxury
    • Mid-Range
    • Budget
    • Book A Hotel
  • DiningFood Food Food
    • Fine Dining
    • Mid-Range Dining
    • Cheap Eats
    • Local Food
    • Fast Foods
    • Cafes
    • Bakeries
    • Desserts
  • FunEntertainment
    • Music Scene
    • Night Life
    • Shopping & Malls
    • Sports
    • Films and Plays
  • AttractionsThings To See
    • Beaches
    • Events
    • Festivals
    • Historical Sites
    • Natural Wonders
    • Places
  • LifestyleEverything Else
    • Business
    • Culture
    • Expat Tips
    • Health & Fitness
    • People
    • Useful Tips
    • Public Services
      • Schools
      • Media
      • Public Information
      • Hospitals
  • TransportGetting Around
    • Ferries
    • Airports
    • Bus Terminals
    • Jeepney
    • Shipping Guide
  • Hotels & Flights
  • Movie Schedules
    • Now Showing
    • SM Cebu Cinema
    • SM Consolacion
    • Ayala Cinema Cebu
    • JCentre Cinema
    • Gaisano Country Mall
    • Colonnade Mall Cebu
  • Ferry Schedules
  • Forums
  • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Donate
    • Contact
  • Log In
  • Register

“What Happened to Cebu’s Old Train?”

Did you know Cebu used to have a train? The sudden limelight on its non-existence arose from the recent issue of heavy traffic congestion that have people angry, frustrated and worried that it might get worse. This resulted into looking for alternative means of public transportation which got people thinking about Cebu’s old railway. People are asking, “Where is it?” “What happened to it?”

 

Let’s start with “What was it like?”

The 57-mile railway ran all the way from up north in Danao, when it was still a town, to Argao, one of the province’s municipalities in the south. You can still see a rotunda there where the train used to go around and head southbound. The Central Station once stood where you can now find the Development Bank of the Philippines to the Cebu City Medical Center. There were 2 other train stations, one in Carcar and another in Sibonga, both in the south.

The main purpose of the train was for distribution to different parts of the province and trade of goods such as coal, abaca and sugar.

 

“Why did operations stop?”

What stopped it was the one thing that stopped all forms of progress – war. Some trains in the south were destroyed in guerilla warfare against the Japanese. Damage from the bombings were also reportedly so severe that the railway was beyond restoration. When the war ended, bus companies pressured the government to refrain from rebuilding the railroad to since the trains were competition.

 

“What did they do with what was left of it?”

The railway was abandoned and the tracks were sold to sugar companies of Iloilo and Negros. The train station in Danao wasn’t cared for and no longer exists. The one in Carcar has become a restaurant; the station in Sibonga is now the library of a public elementary school; the one in Argao is now the fire station. The Central Station, again, ceased to exist as well.

 

Fast forward to 2015, people are now feeling the effects of a lack of proper urban planning and vision. The difficulties experienced with the severely heavy traffic have produced the “Hybrid Electric Road Train for Cebu in 2016” and “Hopes [are] Up for Cebu BRT” (Bus Rapid Transit). This hopefully is a signal of lessons learned and the start of, not just a more attentive Cebu, but a more forward-looking one.

 

Photo credits: From slideshow on Youtube by karaangsugbo

Jul 16, 2015Nikki Tampos
Comments: 6
  1. Daisy
    11 months ago

    Omg , this is what I’ve waiting for .. No traffic at all .. Government pls. Bring it back again ..

    ReplyCancel
  2. gwapa_ko
    1 year ago

    mao jud. sus samot ka traffic minatay!

    ReplyCancel
  3. pogi abing
    1 year ago

    Nya si TOMAS d man ganahan kay ipamugos gyud iyang BRT

    ReplyCancel
  4. Ely
    2 years ago

    Sad to say, there were rich and influential people in those days who wanted to be richer. So, they’re able to stop the train’s operation which more convenient and cheaper fare. Well, today; the Japanese are trying to help in rebuilding the train’s facility in Cebu and Province. I am waiting to see that plan fulfilled. When reached Cebu City 1977, trains were gone. I can only see broken railways whether in North and South part of Cebu Province.

    ReplyCancel
  5. marcos
    2 years ago

    In short, politica lang gihapon diay ang hinungdan nganong wala gi padayon og gi restore ang train system sa Cebu. History repeats itself, Cebu needs an effective mass transport infrastructure. Naa na unta to sa una pa pre-WW2 during the American Commonwealth era, Cebu rapidly progressed due to an efficient heavy-rail transport from north to south pero gi pildi lang gihapon tungod sa politika. hahay!

    ReplyCancel
  6. Lee
    5 years ago

    Any idea what happened to the train and carriages?

    ReplyCancel

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Nikki Tampos
5 years ago 6 Comments Lifestyle#ThrowbackThursday9,547
Featured
5 Breathtaking Getaway Destinations Surrounding Cebu
Top 10 Best Resorts in Cebu
TOP 10 BUDGET PLACES TO STAY
Best Beach Destinations In Cebu
Recent Topics
  • Cebu Rooms 1,900.00 pesos – Ring Rest House
  • Cebu Swimming Pool – Ring Rest House
  • Cold Cuts & Cheese
Celebrating 10 Years Of Everything Cebu

This year Everything Cebu is celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary since it's first post way back in 2009. Thanks to everyone who has supported us along the way.

Everything you’ll ever need and want to know about Cebu is here. We have Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Forums, Movie Times, Ferry Schedules, Entertainment, and much much more.

2019 © Everything Cebu - Your Ultimate Guide to Travelling Cebu Since 2009!